Elders Retreat 2026

Each year we invite elders and eldership teams from our churches to gather at The Tops for a weekend retreat to be empowered in their spiritual leadership.

Elders are key spiritual and governance leaders of our churches, and we believe healthy and equipped elders are critical to the flourishing of our church network. This weekend is set aside to invest in them!

At retreat we gather to celebrate the leadership Elders bring to our churches and offer a forum for elders to build connection and community and receive input to deepen their spiritual leadership.

This is an invite-only gathering for elders, board members, and leadership teams who provide spiritual oversight and governance in our churches. If you are unsure if you qualify as an ‘elder’ in our network, and would like to attend, reach out to us at hello@ccnswact.org.au

Note: A regional Elders Retreat in Coffs Harbour will also be held for churches in Northern NSW in September this year. Scroll for more details on this.

Registration for our retreat at The Tops in August is now open.

Click to view room types and prices. Scroll down for more program information. Registration closes Friday 24 July.

Our Program

Dates and Location

Dates: Friday 7 August – Sunday 9 August
Location: The Tops Conference Centre

Arrival: From 5:30pm on Friday
Finish: 12:40pm on Sunday (lunch available before departure)

This Year’s Theme and Focus: Freedom to Flourish

This year’s retreat focuses on flourishing in the role of eldership. How do we shepherd faith communities effectively, not by relying on personal skill or reverting to striving, but by drawing from the deep reserves of God and who He has created us to be?

Across the weekend, we will explore:

Our identity in Christ, and Leading from spiritual depth rather than performance
Drawing on the resources of God for sustainable eldership
Our shepherding impact on those we serve
Different ways we can support discipleship and spiritual formation in our church

Over the weekend, we will piece together a creative, three-dimensional representation that reflects this journey of identity and formation.

Program Overview

Friday Evening
The retreat begins with a Shabbat-style dinner experience, creating space to slow down, rest, and enter the weekend with intention.

Teaching and Reflection Rhythm
The weekend includes six short input sessions, each followed by a 45-minute reflection period. During these times, participants can choose to:

Spend time alone
Walk with another elder
Engage in small group conversation

Guest Contributors

Keith Farmer – ACOM Principal Emeritus, Mentor to Pastors

Keith will teach us on leading from identity as a child of a loving God, rather than from insecurity or striving

Anne Klose – Spiritual Director and Lecturer at Morling College and ACOM

Drawing from her expertise in spiritual formation and her own powerful testimony, Anne will lead us in reflecting on how spiritual growth occurs and how we might support this in our churches.